Millheim Journal. [volume] (Millheim, Pa.) 1876-1984, 1887-02-17
How Bessie Chose Her
Husband.

Mrs. Lanson's door opened and Bes'
sic came in with troubled look on her
sweet young face. 'What is the mat.
ter, my daughter said Mrs. Lanson
pleasantly. S'Oh, I'm in such dilemma
mother. Tuesday evening when Ar.
tnr Mercer was here, he asked me to be
his wife. l was taken by surprise and
did not know what to say. l begged
him to give me a months time to con-
slider the matter. He kindly consent
ed to do so last evening when l went
riding with Gus WiLdon as | promis
ed, he asked The same question OF
course had to put him on probation
too.
They have both been dear friends,
but thing my heart inclines "a little
more favorably toward Gus. He is
the jolliest fellow know but wheth-
er his nature holds out at home as else
where, l cannot say.
Home is the place to form correct
estimate of PERSONS disposition, and
not in company
Yes, my daughter, that is true !:
but, unfortunately young people seldom
have a chance to judge each other
from that standpoint. There would be
many more happy marriages If they
could
Bessie sat in deep thought some time.
then suddenly sprang up and danced
around the room, as she exclaimed: i
have it mamma, have it. Mrs. Mer-
Ger told me last week, her girl would
leave tomorrow. ] will disguise my
self and apply for the position. If
succeed in getting it, will stay long
enough to satisfy myself about Arthur,
then get homesick and have to leave,
as Bridget would say. You know,
mamma, the Irish brogue is so easy for
me, it will help me effectually to dis
guise me-
AS your plan may have much to do
with your future happiness. l have no
objection,' said Mrs. LansoD.
Bessie left the room, and in about ar
hour she returned so completely chang
ed, even her mother scarcely knew her.
AN Irish Biddy you surely are,' said
Mrs Lanson. You need not fear dis
coyery Bessie. your own father would
not recognize you
Well satisfied with herself, Bessie
proceeded to Mrs. Mercer's, and wher
an hour later she left that lady, she hat
the promise of the coveted situation, i
all parties were satisfied after week.:
trial. She was to begin her duties th'
following morning. With a ligh'
heart, she sped home to tell her mothe
of her success, and to make prepara
tions to return that evening.
She kept the highway about half the
way lone, then looking intently up ant
down the road, and not seeing any one
to observe her actions, she climbed th'
fence and ran across a meadow TO ;
piece of woods lying directly beyond
She then felt perfectly safe from detec
tion. Just at dusk, with her bundle
under her arm, she again appeared a
the Mercer farm house. Mrs. Mercer
greeted her with pleasant good even
ing After little talk with her re
garding tho work, and what she expect
ed of her help, Bessie was shown he
room and informed that she must b
up at 5 O'Clock every morning.
After sound refreshing sleep sh
rose, made her simple toilet and appear
ed in the kitchen at the appointed time
She wore a neat calico dress, protecte'
by an ample apron, and a plain line
collar. Her own brOwc locks wer
completely hidden by false ones of
decidedly reddish tinge.
When the family assembled TO
breakfast, she was introduced to eac